Nigeria, Italy sign pact on boosting police training, logistics

Monday, February 1, 2016 6:57 pm

Buhari receives Italian PM Matteo Renzi. Photo Sunday Aghaeze

Nigeria and Italy on Monday in Abuja signed an agreement on intelligence sharing, capacity building and provision of logistics that will enhance the operations of the Nigeria Police.

The agreement, witnessed by President Muhammadu Buhari and the Italian Prime Minister, Mr. Matteo Renzi, in the State House was part of bilateral meeting between the two countries which covered issues on energy, security, agriculture, immigration, human and drug trafficking, infrastructure and education.

The agreement on enhancing cooperation between the Nigerian and Italian Police was signed by the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase and the Italian National Police Chief, Alessandro Pansa.

Renzi and Buhari in a discussion

President Buhari said he was impressed with the relationship between Nigeria and Italy over the years, especially in the areas of security, construction, oil and gas and the exploration of solid minerals.

‘‘I am impressed by the resilience and commitment of the Italian business to Nigeria’s development shown by the Italian construction companies and companies in the oil sector.

Inspector General Police, Mr Solomon Arase signing capacity building document with the Chief of Italian Police, Mr. Alessandro Pansa

‘‘I am happy to hear that an Italian oil company, AGIP- Eni, is investing $4 billion in the coming three years in the economy spite of the downward spiral of oil prices,’’ the President said.

In his remarks, the Italian Prime Minister said his country will support Nigeria in the ongoing fight against corruption, terrorism and also encourage Italian companies to invest more in sectors that will enable growth and create jobs for Nigerians like power, agriculture and solid minerals.